Allergic sensitization to laboratory animals is more associated with asthma, rhinitis, and skin symptoms than sensitization to common allergens.

BACKGROUND: Workers exposed to laboratory animals have a high risk of developing laboratory animal allergy (LAA). Atopy seems to be the main risk factor for LAA. We hypothesized that occupational sensitization is a better predictor for the development of asthma, rhinitis, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) than common sensitization. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between occupational sensitization to laboratory animals and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study performed at two universities on students and employees dealing with small rodents. The subjects were allocated in groups: non-sensitized, common sensitization, or occupational sensitization, according to the results of the skin prick test (SPT). All subjects answered a questionnaire about animal exposures, symptoms, allergic diseases, and underwent spirometry and bronchial challenge test with mannitol. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS: Data from 453 volunteers were analysed. Non-sensitized group comprised 237 subjects; common sensitization group, 142 subjects; and occupational sensitization group, 74 subjects. Occupational sensitization was associated with greater risk for all outcomes studied. When the common sensitization group was reference, skin symptoms had PR of 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.85; wheezing had PR of 1.75, CI 95%: 1.21-2.53; rhinitis had PR of 1.25, 95%: 1.11-1.40; nocturnal dyspnoea had PR of 2.40, 95% CI: 1.31-4.40; bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) had PR of 2.47, 95% CI: 1.50-4.09; and confirmed asthma had PR of 2.65, 95% CI: 1.45-4.85. In addition, the overlap of asthma, rhinitis, and skin symptoms in a same subject was significantly more prevalent in the occupational sensitization group, 16.2% versus 4.9% in the common sensitization group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Occupational sensitization is associated with allergic symptoms and respiratory diseases. SPT with occupational allergens along with other parameters may contribute to detection of risk for allergic and respiratory diseases associated with exposure to laboratory animals.

Detecting and modelling delayed density-dependence in abundance time series of a small mammal (Didelphis aurita).

We study the population size time series of a Neotropical small mammal with the intent of detecting and modelling population regulation processes generated by density-dependent factors and their possible delayed effects. The application of analysis tools based on principles of statistical generality are nowadays a common practice for describing these phenomena, but, in general, they are more capable of generating clear diagnosis rather than granting valuable modelling. For this reason, in our approach, we detect the principal temporal structures on the bases of different correlation measures, and from these results we build an ad-hoc minimalist autoregressive model that incorporates the main drivers of the dynamics. Surprisingly our model is capable of reproducing very well the time patterns of the empirical series and, for the first time, clearly outlines the importance of the time of attaining sexual maturity as a central temporal scale for the dynamics of this species. In fact, an important advantage of this analysis scheme is that all the model parameters are directly biologically interpretable and potentially measurable, allowing a consistency check between model outputs and independent measurements.

3D evaluation of maxillary arches in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients treated with nasoalveolar moulding vs. Hotz's plate.

To compare the three-dimensional changes occurring in the maxillary arch during the use of modified pre-surgical nasoalveolar moulding (PNAM) and Hotz's plate. A clinical trial including 32 children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 16 treated with Hotz's plate and 16 with PNAM, was performed. Impressions of the maxillary arches were taken: A. prior to pre-surgical orthopaedics, B. before cheiloplasty and C. after cheiloplasty. Models were digitised using a stereophotogrammetric instrument, and geodesic distances were calculated: anterior, canine and posterior widths of the arch, and lengths and cleft depths of the larger and shorter segments. The time and treatment effects were assessed by two-factor anova. A significant effect of treatment was found for cleft depth at the larger segment: children treated with Hotz's plate had significantly deeper cleft than children treated with PNAM. All distances significantly changed during time: the anterior and canine widths decreased, while the posterior width, the lengths and depths of the cleft segments increased. Significant treatment per time interactions was found. The anterior and canine widths reduced more with PNAM between time points A and B while Hotz's treatment was more effective between B and C. The shorter segment depth increased more between B and C with PNAM, and between A and B with Hotz's plate. During pre-surgical orthopaedics, therapy with PNAM obtained the best results in reducing the width at the anterior segment of the cleft. This treatment gave a lower increase in cleft depth than treatment with Hotz's plate.

Measurements of k0 and Q0 values for 64Zn(n,γ)65Zn and 68Zn(n,γ)69mZn reactions with covariance analysis.

The values of k(0) and Q(0) for (64)Zn(n,γ)(65)Zn and (68)Zn(n,γ)(69m)Zn reactions were determined experimentally. The irradiations were performed near the core of the IEA-R1 3.5MW nuclear research reactor of the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute - IPEN-CNEN/SP, in São Paulo, Brazil. The results for the neutron field parameters f and α were 49.7(19) and -1.1(31)×10(-3), respectively. The resulting values of k(0) and Q(0) for (64)Zn(n,γ)(65)Zn reaction were 5.63(8)×10(-3) and 1.69(6), respectively, and the corresponding values for (68)Zn(n,γ)(69m)Zn reaction were 4.00(6)×10(-4) and 2.34(4), respectively. These results were compared with the literature.

Serum IgE level in malnutrition.

UNLABELLED: Infections and malnutrition remain the main causes of infant mortality in developing countries. In protein-calorie malnutrition, immunologic responses are affected, which often facilitates infections. However, the presence of asthma and allergic rhinitis are not commonly recognized in malnourished individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum IgE values in children with primary moderate protein-calorie malnutrition. METHODS: The level of IgE in peripheral blood of 18 children between 2 and 4 old with moderate protein-calorie malnutrition and without associated parasitic infestation was compared with that of 15 well nourished children of similar age. IgE serum levels were measured by an immunoenzymatic method. RESULTS: The median level of serum IgE in malnourished children was 69.30 ng/ml while the control group showed a mean level of 95.97 ng/ml. This difference was significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Malnourished children show decreased serum IgE levels. This might be one of the adaptive mechanisms of malnutrition employed in an attempt to use energy and protein reserves for growth and other functions. Our results are coherent with the decrease in IgE mediated reactions in malnourished patients.

Shortest paths on systems with power-law distributed long-range connections.

We discuss shortest-path lengths l(r) on periodic rings of size L supplemented with an average of pL randomly located long-range links whose lengths are distributed according to P(l) approximately l(-mu). Using rescaling arguments and numerical simulation on systems of up to 10(7) sites, we show that a characteristic length xi exists such that l(r) approximately r for r>xi. For small p we find that the shortest-path length satisfies the scaling relation l(r,mu,p)/xi=f(mu,r/xi). Three regions with different asymptotic behaviors are found, respectively: (a) mu>2 where theta(s)=1, (b) 1

The use of ultrasound evaluation in the diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess.

Peritonsillar Abscess (PTA) and Peritonsillar Cellulitis (PTC) are very similar clinical conditions. The differential diagnosis between them is made by needle aspiration, a very painful and invasive method. This study was performed at the Department of Otolaryngology at the Clinical Hospital of São Paulo University Medical School. It's aim was to evaluate the use of ultrasound as a noninvasive and inexpensive method of diagnosis, differentiating abscess from cellulitis. Twenty-one consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of peritonsillar infection were evaluated in the emergency service with a probable diagnosis of PTA. These patients were evaluated with intraoral and percutaneous ultrasound. Needle aspiration was used to compare and confirm the diagnosis. The sensitivity was 92.3% and specificity was 62.3%. The authors conclude that ultrasound is a good method to evaluate the differences between PTA and PTC.

Directed rigidity and bootstrap percolation in 1+1 dimensions.

We study directed rigidity percolation (equivalent to directed bootstrap percolation) on three different lattices: square, triangular, and augmented triangular. The first two of these display a first-order transition at p=1, while the augmented triangular lattice shows a continuous transition at a nontrivial p(c). On the augmented triangular lattice we find, by extensive numerical simulation, that the the directed rigidity percolation transition belongs to the same universality class as the directed percolation. The same conclusion is reached by studying its surface critical behavior, i.e., the spreading of rigidity from finite clusters close to a nonrigid wall. Near the discontinuous transition at p=1 on the triangular lattice, we are able to calculate the finite-size behavior of the density of rigid sites analytically. Our results are confirmed by numerical simulation.

[Blood pressure responses in children of normotensive and of hypertensive parents treated with pressor stimulus]. / Comportamento da pressão arterial em filhos de normotensos e filhos de hipertensos submetidos a estímulos pressóricos.

PURPOSE: To compare cardiovascular reactivity in adolescents with and without family history of hypertension. METHODS: Thirty two subjects, males, students, aging between 13 to 18 years old were examined. One half of them had no family history of hypertension and the other half had at least one hypertensive parent. Basal blood pressure level was obtained before the application of the following selected tests: isometric handgrip exercise test, cold pressor test and arithmetic mental stress test. The blood pressure values were obtained by a digital, oscilometric device, previously calibrated. RESULTS: The subjects with family history of hypertension exhibited higher basal levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.10). Concerning the tests applied, the subjects with family history of hypertension also exhibited higher responses, but only the responses of the diastolic blood pressure to the mental stress test was statistically significant (p < 0.10). CONCLUSION: Our findings point to the need of a special follow-up of children with a family history of hypertension.

[Prevalence and sociocultural and economic aspects of hypertension in a health center of the northern area of Manaus]. / Prevalência e aspectos sócio-culturais e econômicos da hipertensão arterial em centro de saúde da zona norte de Manaus.

PURPOSE: To verify the prevalence and the possible sociocultural and economic factors involved in high blood pressure (HBP), intending to contribute to the elaboration of public health programs. METHODS: The blood pressure of 1,766 individuals, aging 13 years old or more, was measured by the auscultatory method, using a stethoscope and a sfigmomanometer. It was included in the HBP group, the individual presenting blood pressure above 140 x 90 mmHg in two measurements on different occasions. These individuals answered a form searching for sociocultural and economic aspects. RESULTS: Among the individuals examined, 76 were considered to have HBP. There was an increase on the prevalence of HBP with an increase of age, being the greatest among the individuals aging 49 years or more. It was observed significant association between age and HBP (p < 0.05), but the same did not happen with sex or skin color. In most part of the individuals with HBP, it was observed low family income and low educational level. Half of the HBP patients were used to eat with salt and fat. CONCLUSION: The educational level, economic status, and sociocultural habits of a person constitute factors that must be considered in the development of public health programs for control and reduction of the prevalence of HBP.

[HIV-associated nephropathy]. / Nefropatia associada ao HIV.

AIDS can affect many parenchymal organs but the renal involvement is of vital value for patient's prognosis. Sonography can easily analyse most of all renal insult even in those patients without symptoms.

[Echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac involvement in seronegative spondylo-arthropathies]. / El ecocardiograma en la evaluación del compromiso cardiáco en las espondiloartropatías seronegativas.

To evaluate the involvement of the heart in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathies by echodopplercardiography, 35 patients including 20 with ankylosing spondylitis, 10 with Reiter's syndrome and 5 with psoriatic arthritis (21 men and 14 women, with ages ranging from 17-68 years and averaging 38.5) were studied. Most were asymptomatic with respect to the cardiovascular system (65.71%) and 12 oligosymptomatic with palpitations as their main complaint. Each patient had an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram. A two-dimensional echocardiogram demonstrated alterations in 19 patients (54.29%), 28.58% asymptomatic and 25.71% symptomatic. This study revealed most of lesions (17/19-84.47%) followed by the Dopplerechocardiography (10/19-52.63%) and the one-dimensional echocardiography (9/19-47.36%). Abnormal aortic valves were found in 10 patients, in 7 thickenning and in 3 calcifications. The mitral valve was involved in 11 patients, in 8 thickenning, in 1 calcification and in 2 valve prolapse. In ankylosing spondylitis aortic valve disease was found in 8 patients. Dopplerechocardiography evidenced the presence of aortic regurgitation in 4 patients and mitral insufficiency in 3. The Q-T interval was increased in 19 patients, there was one first degree auriculoventricular block, one right branch block and one sinus bradicardia. Thus the echocardiogram is an excellent noninvasive method to disclose cardiac disturbances in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropaties.

El ecocardiograma en la evaluación del compromiso cardiáco en las espondiloartropatías seronegativas. / [Echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac involvement in seronegative spondylo-arthropathies]

To evaluate the involvement of the heart in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathies by echodopplercardiography, 35 patients including 20 with ankylosing spondylitis, 10 with Reiters syndrome and 5 with psoriatic arthritis (21 men and 14 women, with ages ranging from 17-68 years and averaging 38.5) were studied. Most were asymptomatic with respect to the cardiovascular system (65.71

) and 12 oligosymptomatic with palpitations as their main complaint. Each patient had an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram. A two-dimensional echocardiogram demonstrated alterations in 19 patients (54.29

), 28.58

asymptomatic and 25.71

symptomatic. This study revealed most of lesions (17/19-84.47

) followed by the Dopplerechocardiography (10/19-52.63

) and the one-dimensional echocardiography (9/19-47.36

). Abnormal aortic valves were found in 10 patients, in 7 thickenning and in 3 calcifications. The mitral valve was involved in 11 patients, in 8 thickenning, in 1 calcification and in 2 valve prolapse. In ankylosing spondylitis aortic valve disease was found in 8 patients. Dopplerechocardiography evidenced the presence of aortic regurgitation in 4 patients and mitral insufficiency in 3. The Q-T interval was increased in 19 patients, there was one first degree auriculoventricular block, one right branch block and one sinus bradicardia. Thus the echocardiogram is an excellent noninvasive method to disclose cardiac disturbances in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropaties.

[Benign intrinsic tectal tumors: apropos of 2 cases]. / Tumores intrínsecos benignos da região tectal: considerações a propósito de dois casos.

The introduction of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging led to the knowledge that brain stem tumors are not a homogeneous group with regard to their clinical, pathological and biological features. The classical concept of an uniformly poor prognosis has been modified and some subtypes of tumors are amenable to surgical treatment and long-term survival. The authors report two cases of patients with tumors of the tectal region whose symptoms and CT features were consistent with late-onset aqueductal obstruction. In both cases definitive diagnosis was established by MRI and symptoms resolved after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt implantation. The clinic and pathological features and therapeutical alternatives as well, are discussed.

[Pseudotumor cerebri without optic papilledema]. / Pseudotumor cerebral sem edema de papila óptica.

Four cases of benign intracranial hypertension in two nonobese women (23 and 35 yr. old) and two nonobese men (both 47 yr. old) are presented. The most remarkable finding of the clinical investigation of these cases was the absence of papilledema. Our finding is consistent with other reports, and suggest that the presence of papilledema should not be considered critical for the diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension. Additionally, the authors present a hypothesis for the absence of papilledema in cases otherwise typical of benign intracranial hypertension.

Eosinophil levels in the acute phase of experimental Chagas' disease.

Eosinophil dynamics, in bone marrow, blood and peritoneal exudate, of resistant C57B1/6 (C57) and susceptible A/Snell (A/Sn) mice was comparatively studied during the acute phase of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain. A decline was observed in bone marrow eosinophil levels in A/Sn, but not in C57 mice, soon after infection, those of the former remaining significantly below those of the latter up to the 4th day of infection. Bone marrow eosinophil levels of C57 mice declined subsequently to levels comparable to those of A/Sn mice, the number of these cells in this compartment remaining 50% those of non infected controls, in both strains, up to the end of the experiment on the 14th day of infection. The fluctuations in eosinophil levels in blood and peritoneal space were similar in both mice strains studied. Concomitantly with depletion of eosinophils in the marrow, depletion in blood and a marked rise of these cells in the peritoneal space. initial site of infection, occurred in both strains. The difference in eosinophil bone marrow levels, between C57 and A/Sn mice, observed in the first four days of infection, suggests a higher eosinopoiesis capacity of the former in this period, which might contribute to their higher resistance to T. cruzi infection.

[Basic causes of death in elderly patients with Chagas' disease]. / Causas básicas de morte em chagásicos idosos.

The main causes of death of 100 elderly Chagas' patients (group A), of 100 elderly non-Chagas' disease (group B) and of 100 non-elderly Chagas' disease patients (group C) were surveyed clinically and by postmortem data. Compared to B, the A group showed significantly more deaths due to chronic Chagas' heart disease and digestive "megas", and less frequently to malignant neoplasm. Deaths due to pulmonary emphysema and malignant neoplasms were significantly more common and deaths due to chronic Chagas' heart disease were significantly less common in the A group when compared to the C group. Chronic Chagas' heart disease caused 26 unexpected sudden deaths in the C group (the younger patients) and none in the A group (the eldest patients).